Youlgrave’s first Village Market Proves a Roaring Success

Youlgrave’s first ‘Village Market’, organised by Sustainable Youlgrave and held in the Reading Room on Saturday 23 January, proved to be a big hit with an enthusiastic turn-out.

It was opened by Eddie Oldfield, chair of the Horticultural Society and Reading Room Committee, who said he was impressed with the wide variety of stalls. They included spinning and knitting, photography, woodturning, sewing, card making, art, pottery and jewellery, as well as cakes, buns, jams and chutneys. The room seemed to be crowded from the word go, and a steady stream of customers walked and talked their way round the impressive displays, ending up with welcome refreshments. All the stallholders said they would come back next time, and one or two newcomers agreed to offer their wares. There were only a couple of post-its put up on the Recycle Board but both received responses - so it is obviously worth remembering to note your swaps, wants and sales on the board next time.

The plan is to hold a Village Market every two months in the first instance, with the next one on 13 March 2010, again in Youlgrave Reading Room. Apart from craft and home-made produce, it is hoped that as the year progresses, surplus fruit and vegetables from gardens and allotments will be offered for sale. There was a query about allotment holders being able to sell their surplus, but Youlgrave Parish Council has confirmed that it is permissible so long as it is just that – i.e. surplus to domestic needs and not grown for trade or business. It’s a shame to see good local food going to waste!

The Village Markets are an initiative of the Sustainable Youlgrave Community Group. We are only a small group at present and would welcome anyone who would like to join in. Alongside us is the new Bee Group, and we want to set up another small group to create a community orchard. It would also be great if a few people would like to assist in the organisation of future markets. Anyone interested in being involved should email Lucy Stirling at stirlinglucyb@hotmail.com or phone Jeni Edwards on 636550.

Sustainable Youlgrave committee members and supporters unveil the eye-catching banner outside the Reading Room. Entirely home-made, the recycled letters are made out of old carrier bags and wrapping.